Overview

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial has resumed after a two-month pause due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The trial, which began in 2020, involves three separate cases of alleged fraud, breach of trust and bribery.
• Netanyahu is accused of receiving gifts from prominent businessmen in exchange for political favors, negotiating favorable media coverage in exchange for legislation limiting a rival newspaper, and granting regulatory favors to a telecommunications company for positive media coverage.
• Netanyahu, who denies all charges, is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face court as a defendant. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine.
• Netanyahu's trial has been controversial, with some critics accusing him of using the legislation to circumvent his legal troubles. His proposed judicial overhaul has sparked months of protests.
• Netanyahu's standing with the Israeli public has worsened due to his government's failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 240 more.